Lewis Hamilton Makes His Debut In Scuderia Ferrari F1 Car

Lewis Hamilton drove a Scuderia Ferrari F1 car for the first time on Wednesday at Circuit Fiorano at the team's factory in Maranello.

There was a huge anticipation around the seven-time world champion and his debut in the red. It was revealed a few days prior that it should take place sometime between 20-22nd of January.

On Monday, the 20th, it was clarified that Hamilton would use the first two days to meet and acclimatize with his new team and drive the simulator before getting inside the real F1 car on Wednesday.

However, impatient Italian F1 fans started gathering at the bridge overseeing the Fiorano Circuit (the only place where you can see the track) already on Monday and Tuesday.

On Wednesday, 22nd of January, at 9:17 AM local time, they finally got a first glimpse of Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari as the 40-year-old went out on the circuit in the SF-23 (Ferrari's 2023 F1 car).

As reported by Auto Racer, Hamilton first went on a slow out-lap during which he greeted the crowd by waving at them, then went into the garage for about ten minutes, and then started his first actual run.

A part of the excitement around Hamilton's debut was because F1 fans couldn't wait to see the first real images of the Briton in the Ferrari racing suit and his new helmet design.

The seven-time world champion has never previously driven an F1 car with a Ferrari power unit, so his first track day is an important first step in his acclimatization process.

Hamilton needs to acclimate not only to Ferrari F1 cars but also to his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami. The three days in Maranello are essential for building trust and working practices between the new duo.

Adami previously worked with Carlos Sainz and the four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who recommended his services to the 40-year-old.

A report from Auto Racer also suggests that fans present near the track should also get a glimpse of Charles Leclerc, who should get his turn in the F1 car in the afternoon.

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